Nanoparticle: Pathogenesis, Innovative Diagnosis, and Therapy of Liver Fibrosis

Abstract

Liver fibrosis, a progressive condition resulting from chronic liver injury, can lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Nanoparticles have emerged as promising tools for their diagnosis and treatment due to their unique properties. This review highlights advances in lipid-based (e.g., liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles), polymer-based (e.g., nanocapsules, dendrimers), inorganic (e.g., iron oxide, gold nanoparticles), and biological nanoparticles (e.g., extracellular vesicles, exosomes). These nanoparticles enhance imaging contrast for MRI and CT, enabling non-invasive fibrosis detection, and deliver drugs or gene-editing tools to hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) for targeted therapy. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) and exosomes also show potential as biomarkers and therapeutic carriers. However, challenges such as limited targeting efficiency, potential toxicity, and difficulties in clinical translation remain. Future research should focus on optimizing nanoparticle design, improving biocompatibility, and addressing regulatory issues to facilitate their clinical application. Nanoparticle-based strategies hold great promise for revolutionizing liver fibrosis management.